India’s SDHI to Build Four Next‑Gen TRAnsverse 3200 Tugs for Denmark’s Svitzer

Svitzer Barrington TRAnsverse 3200 - Newcastle (Photo credit - Svitzer) 

Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI), India’s largest shipbuilding and heavy engineering company, has secured a contract from Denmark-based towage operator Svitzer A/S to construct four advanced TRAnsverse 3200 tugs. Deliveries for the order are scheduled to commence in early 2028.

The contract follows an extensive competitive evaluation of leading global shipyards. The high-specification vessels will be constructed to Bureau Veritas class.

Co-developed by naval architects Robert Allan Ltd. and Svitzer, the patented TRAnsverse 3200 design is engineered for complex harbour towage and escort operations. Featuring a unique hydrodynamic hull design and omni-directional propulsion, the vessels are capable of safely guiding large ships through severe weather and restricted port channels. Delivering an 80-tonne bollard pull, the TRAnsverse design is up to 15% more fuel efficient than conventional tug designs, directly supporting global maritime decarbonization goals.

Commenting on the development, Rear Admiral Vipin Kumar Saxena IN (retd.), CEO, Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI), said: "It is indeed a notable achievement for SDHI to construct one of the world's most sophisticated towage vessels. Svitzer's rigorous evaluation process reaffirms the strength of our engineering capabilities in the niche, high-specification vessel segment. Winning our fourth consecutive export contract also reflects the growing confidence of global category leaders in SDHI's ability to deliver to the highest international standards. As we continue to expand our capabilities, we remain focused on strengthening India's position as a globally competitive shipbuilding destination.”

Commenting on the partnership with SDHI, Mr. Kasper Friis Nilaus, CEO, Svitzer said:
“Svitzer’s TRAnsverse tug design offers significant benefits to customers in terms of releasing operational constraints and improving port productivity, sustainability and safety margins. We are pleased to partner with SDHI to deliver four of these next-generation vessels to the benefit of our customers and maritime supply chains globally.”

“The contract also reflects our continued investment in the Indian maritime sector, highlighting our ongoing commitment to the Government of India's Maritime India Vision 2030, Make in India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives,” Mr. Nilaus said.

The Transverse 3200 tugs will be biofuel, IMO Tier III emissions standards, and FiFi1 firefighting class ready, reflecting the vessels' capability for reduced environmental impact and enhanced fire-response readiness in port and terminal operations.

Copenhagen-headquartered Svitzer operates a fleet of over 500 vessels worldwide. This order is a part of Svitzer's long-term fleet renewal programme, aimed at deploying next-generation, high-efficiency vessels to optimize port and terminal operations globally.

The vessels will be built at SDHI’s yard in Pipavav, Gujarat, adjacent to the port where Svitzer also has a harbour towage operation.

Reference for Order Classification

Classification	Category 1	Category 2	Category 3	Category 4	Category 5
Order Value in Rs. Crore	0 to 250	251 to 750	751 to 1500	1501 to 3000	Above 3000

About Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI)

Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI), formerly known as Reliance Naval and Engineering Limited, is a leading shipbuilding and heavy fabrication company in India. Strategically located on the west coast of India, the shipyard operates the country’s largest dry dock (662m x 65m) and has an impressive fabrication capacity of 164,000 tons per annum – providing an unmatched advantage in fulfilling India’s maritime and industrial ambitions. SDHI is committed to innovation, excellence, safety, and sustainability.

Website: www.sdhi.co.in

APM Terminals Pipavav Signs Key Contracts to Advance Liquid Cargo Jetty, Reinforcing Gujarat’s Maritime Vision

In a firm step toward fulfilling its commitment made at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024, APM Terminals Pipavav has formalised two significant contracts to accelerate the construction of a dedicated liquid cargo jetty (Berth 6), solidifying its role in India’s maritime growth story.

APM Terminals Pipavav has signed a contract with L&T Geostructure Pvt. Ltd. for the construction of the new liquid jetty and related marine infrastructure. In parallel, Van Oord India Pvt. Ltd. has been engaged for capital dredging and reclamation works essential to the project’s execution.

The signing ceremony was held in the presence of Shri Rajkumar Beniwal, IAS, Vice Chairman & CEO of the Gujarat Maritime Board, at GIFT City, Gandhinagar, emphasizing the State’s continued support for port-led development and infrastructure expansion.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Girish Aggarwal, Managing Director, APM Terminals Pipavav, said, “APM Terminals Pipavav remains committed to the Gujarat, its people, and its progress. The signing of these strategic contracts is a reflection of our intent to transform investment into impact. With the continued support of the Gujarat Maritime Board, we are advancing infrastructure that not only strengthens the state’s maritime capabilities but also fulfils the vision we set forth at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit.”

The upcoming liquid jetty is expected to significantly boost the port’s capabilities in handling diversified cargo, while also improving service reliability and future-proofing operations. Beyond infrastructure, the project is poised to generate employment, attract industrial investments, and catalyse regional development around the Pipavav Port corridor.

APM Terminals Pipavav is one of India’s leading gateway ports for containers, dry bulk cargoes, liquid bulk, and RoRo with excellent connectivity to the India’s northwest hinterland through rail and road network. The current annual cargo handling capacity includes 1.35 million TEUs of containers, 4 million metric tons of dry bulk, with a dedicated liquid berth coming up the capacity will be increased to 5.2 million metric tons of liquid bulk and 250,000 passenger cars. APM Terminals Pipavav is India’s first public private partnership (PPP) port and the first port to be connected to the DFC in India and is a part of the APM Terminals global terminal network.

'Samudra Prachet’ Sets Sail: Goa Shipyard’s Indigenous PCV Enhances India’s Oil Spill Response and Maritime Sustainability

In a significant stride toward maritime environmental preparedness and defence indigenisation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) welcomed Samudra Prachet, the second and final Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) constructed by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). Launched at GSL’s Vasco shipyard, the vessel marks a major milestone in India’s efforts to bolster coastal pollution response capabilities with homegrown technology.

A Technological Guardian of the Seas

Samudra Prachet is engineered to tackle marine pollution emergencies, particularly oil spills within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). With a length of 114.5 metres, a breadth of 16.5 metres, and a displacement of 4,170 tonnes, the vessel will be manned by 14 officers and 115 sailors.

• Two side-sweeping arms for collecting oil spills while underway
• Advanced radar systems for real-time detection of oil slicks
• Integrated pollution response systems capable of:
  • Recovering oil across the full viscosity spectrum
  • Pumping in contaminated water
  • Analysing and separating pollutants
  • Storing recovered oil in dedicated onboard tanks

Built with 72% Indigenous Content

The vessel boasts 72% indigenous content, reflecting substantial contributions from Indian MSMEs and local industries. This aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, reinforcing India’s ambition to become a net exporter of defence technologies.

 
Chairman & Managing Director of GSL, Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, praised the team’s dedication and highlighted the vessel’s role in advancing India’s maritime environmental infrastructure. “This platform is a testament to our shipbuilding excellence and commitment to national capability-building,” he said.

Strategic and Economic Impact

Director General of the Indian Coast Guard, Paramesh Sivamani, emphasized the strategic importance of PCVs in maritime security. “Pollution Control Vessels like Samudra Prachet are pivotal in safeguarding India’s marine ecosystems and responding to pollution emergencies,” he stated during the launch ceremony substantial employment in Goa:

Stimulated skill development

Strengthened the local shipbuilding ecosystem

Supported MSMEs engaged in marine production activities

A Twin Legacy

Samudra Prachet follows the launch of its sister vessel, Samudra Pratap, which was unveiled on August 29, 2024, and is nearing delivery. Together, these vessels significantly enhance the ICG’s operational readiness and environmental surveillance capabilities.

Union Government Committed to Modernizing Maritime Education, Says Sarbananda Sonowal at IMU Kochi Event

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal laid the foundation stone for girls hostel building and virtually inaugurated infrastructure development projects across six campuses of the Indian Maritime University (IMU) for the upgradation of maritime Education and Infrastructure. The projects, with a total estimated cost of Rs 67.77 crore, were announced during a ceremony held at the IMU campus in Kochi.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurating the infrastructure development projects at Indian Maritime University campus at Kochi. MP Hibi Eden and Indian Maritime University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Malini V. Shankar were also seen.

Among the key projects is a new girls' hostel at IMU Kochi, for which Shri Sonowal laid the foundation stone in person. Developed at a cost of Rs 13.11 crore, the facility will significantly improve residential accommodation for female maritime students.

Simultaneously, the Minister also virtually inaugurated several infrastructure projects across five IMU campuses—Chennai, Kolkata, Navi Mumbai, Mumbai Port, and Visakhapatnam. These include the installation of state-of-the-art simulators, establishment of solar power plants, enhancement of sports facilities, and renovation of student hostels—all aimed at boosting the quality of both academic and residential experiences.

The ceremony also witnessed the presence of Shri Hibi Eden, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) representing Ernakulam, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways; Sunil Mukundan, MD, INdia Ports Global, B Kasiviswanathan, IRSME, Chairperson, Dr. Malini V. Shankar, Vice Chancellor of IMU; and other senior officials and stakeholders from the maritime education sector.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Sonowal reiterated the Union Government’s resolve to transform maritime education in India by providing world-class infrastructure and training environments.

“These 17 projects mark a significant step in our mission to strengthen India’s maritime education landscape. With modern infrastructure and advanced facilities, we are enabling students to excel and meet global maritime standards,” he said.

The event concluded with an interactive session featuring discussions on the future of maritime education, innovation in training, and the roadmap for continued infrastructure development across IMU campuses.

CGDT of IIT Hyderabad and Goa Shipyard Ink MoU to Revolutionize Shipbuilding With AI and Digital Twin Technologies

• CGDT of IIT Hyderabad and Goa Shipyard Limited Forge Alliance to Transform Shipbuilding with AI & Digital Twin Technologies
• The collaboration will position India at the forefront of AI-driven maritime innovation.

The Centre for Geospatial AI and Digital Twins (CGDT) of IIT Hyderabad (IITH) and Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) have signed a ground breaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to revolutionize shipbuilding through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Twin technologies. This strategic collaboration, undertaken in association with Neer Interactive Solutions Pvt Ltd and Andhra Mahila Sabha (AMS) Arts & Science College, will leverage the expertise of CGDT of IITH to enhance efficiency, security and sustainability in maritime operations.

Representative Image

The partnership will drive innovation by optimizing vessel design, strengthening shipyard security, and implementing advanced 360-degree surveillance solutions powered by Geospatial AI and Object Detection AI. By integrating Generative AI and Digital Twin technologies, this initiative aims to set new global standards in India's shipbuilding sector.

Prof BS Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad emphasized the significance of safety in industrial operations, stating, “While Digital Twin technology is redefining industrial operations, yet safety remains an underexplored area. Through CGDT-IIT Hyderabad, in collaboration with Neer Interactive and Andhra Mahila Sabha, we are pioneering a holistic Geospatial AI model with 360- degree maritime security solutions. This initiative is the first of its kind in India and across Asia.”

Shri BK Upadhyay, CMD GSL expressed his happiness on the collaboration between GSL and IITH in improving maritime safety through digital technologies.

Sri Dittakavi Chakrapani, IAS (Retd.), Chairman, AMS, highlighted the urgency of safety in shipbuilding, saying, “Manufacturing and shipbuilding safety cannot be delayed. This partnership brings cutting-edge geospatial digital twin technology to industries that need it most. We commend GSL for its visionary leadership in driving this transformation.”

Sri Jai Sankar Aluru, CEO, Neer Interactive Solutions underscored the transformative impact of Digital Twin technology, noting, “Digital Twins are reshaping industrial processes, and when integrated with Geospatial AI and Object Detection AI, their impact is even more significant. At CGDT, we have cultivated an ecosystem blending expertise from law enforcement veterans, leading faculty, and top researchers to create validated, future-ready AI solutions for the maritime sector.”

A Landmark Advancement for India's Maritime Industry

Led by Prof BS Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad, Shri. B.K. Upadhyay, CMD, GSL, Cmde. A. Vasudevan (Retd.), GM(TS), GSL, Sri Jai Sankar Aluru, CEO, Neer Interactive Solutions, and Sri Dittakavi Chakrapani, IAS (Retd.), Chairman, AMS, this collaboration marks a major milestone in India’s AI-driven shipbuilding journey. By integrating Geospatial AI, Digital Twin, and Industry 4.0 technologies, this alliance is set to redefine ship design, manufacturing, and security standards— positioning India at the forefront of global maritime innovation.

AI-based Port Automation Pioneer Docker Vision Raises Pre-Seed Funding Via SanchiConnect’s PreSeed Accelerator Program

Thinkuvate and SeaFund invests in the AI-based product company focusing on Port Automation

AI-based port automation pioneer, Docker Vision, recently secured preseed funding through esteemed venture capital firms Thinkuvate and SeaFund through SanchiConnect’s PreSeed Accelerator program.

The funding infusion empowers Docker Vision to not only refine its groundbreaking products further but also expand its brand, conduct additional Proof of Concepts (POCs), and consolidate its operations. Beyond acting as a monetary injection, this significant investment is a testament to the trust and belief in Docker Vision’s commitment to delivering transformative port automation solutions.

Docker Vision’s flagship AI-powered Gate OCR, or dOCR, is a game-changer in the industry. It's making waves not only by reducing waiting times and lowering carbon emissions but also introducing panoramic imaging for efficient damage detection in cargo handling—a feature that sets Docker Vision distinctly apart from competitors.

Expressing enthusiasm and gratitude for the investment, Docker Vision’s Co-Founder, Mr. Prajith Nair, noted, “This funding is vital for our journey and vision of revolutionizing the maritime industry with unparalleled automation solutions. We deeply appreciate the confidence and support from our investors, setting sail towards a horizon of innovation and substantial impact.”

SanchiConnect's contribution to Docker Vision's trajectory has been pivotal. Through strategic mentorship and invaluable guidance, SanchiConnect's Accelerator Program has been a cornerstone for Docker Vision, offering a gateway to a broad network of industry connections and collaborations.

Mr. Sunil Shekhawat, CEO and Founder of SanchiConnect said: "We are delighted to witness Docker Vision's remarkable journey and their recent funding milestone. Docker Vision's success reflects the essence of SanchiConnect's mission – to empower deep-tech startups with the resources and mentorship needed to thrive. We look forward to continuing our support for startups like Docker Vision, paving the way for transformations in various industries."

As a dedicated platform for nurturing deep-tech startups, SanchiConnect facilitates growth by providing essential resources, such as funding and strategic partnerships. With a global outlook, SanchiConnect is steadfast in its commitment to fostering collaborations between Indian tech enterprises and their international counterparts.

Looking ahead, Docker Vision, with its steadfast commitment and recent funding, is gearing up for remarkable advancements in the port automation domain. The company envisions securing additional investment shortly, anticipating substantial progress in revenue, customer acquisition, and product refinement.

In conclusion, Docker Vision, backed by Thinkuvate, SeaFund, and with strategic assistance from SanchiConnect, is poised for innovative leaps in the maritime sector. The company is charting a course for significant transformation and leadership in the realm of port automation, ready to set new benchmarks in the industry.

For The First Time in India, MWS To Launch Logistics Technology Startup Incubator

The Maritime Services (MWS) has decided to give India its very first maritime focused logistics technology startup incubator. The incubator, which is being launched in association with Hatch and Apex Group and Amplifi, will officially see the light of the day on September 15, 2017.

The incubator will be launched during a three-day international conference cum exhibition Maritime Nation India (MNI) beginning from September 14, 2017 to September 16, 2017.

MWS's main aim behind launching the incubator is to promote and provide advisory services to those entrepreneurs who have inclination towards one of India's fastest growing sectors, the maritime and logistics sector.

For the uninitiated, the MWS is an outfit meticulously working towards implementing Narendra Modi's much ambitions "Make in India” programme globally.

This is the very first time in its over 70 years of Independence that such a startup incubator is being launched in India specifically catering to the business areas of shipping, maritime, logistics and ports.

The selected incubates would get a direct access to the latest knowhow in the sector, top-notch market and financial services advisory and technology support. They would also be encouraged to participate in ship-building both for Indian Navy and merchant navy. According to the officials, the incubator will hand-hold the entrepreneurs of these startups and guide them through the 7-segments of shipping and maritime sector.